A Quiet Au Sable Retreat: Little Brown Bear Cottage at Rollway Resort

HALE LODGING FIELD GUIDE

A Quiet Au Sable Retreat: Little Brown Bear Cottage at Rollway Resort

A rustic, pet-friendly cabin on the Au Sable River in Huron National Forest — this guide clarifies what to expect for stays from two nights to two weeks.

A Quiet Au Sable Retreat: Little Brown Bear Cottage at Rollway Resort.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Hale
Operator
Rollway Resort
Category
Lodging
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Tucked into the Huron National Forest at Rollway Resort, Little Brown Bear Cottage offers a rustic but well-equipped base for fishing, hiking and wildlife watching along the Au Sable River. The property pairs full kitchens and cozy wood stoves with outdoor picnic areas and campfire pits, providing a straightforward northern Michigan stay whether you’re out on the water or simply unwinding by the fire.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE CABIN

Fully equipped, rustic comforts

The cottage comes with a full kitchen (stove, fridge, freezer, microwave, coffee pot, toaster and cooking utensils), a full bath, and indoor heat from a wood stove and wall heater. Bedding is supplied and each unit has a fireplace or wood stove for evening warmth.

THE OUTDOORS

Direct access to river, forest and trails

Set amid thousands of acres of forest, the resort provides easy access to fishing on the Au Sable River, miles of hiking and ORV trails, abundant bird life and seasonal pursuits such as mushroom gathering and hunting. Pontoon rentals are also available for time on the water.

THE PRACTICALS

On-site conveniences and local services

Guests can eat inside or outdoors at picnic tables and charcoal grills; a Weber charcoal grill and fire pit are provided. A bait shop and party store nearby supply basics for anglers and multi-day visitors. The cottage is pet friendly and available seasonally.

What the day feels like

What the stay feels like

Arrive mid-afternoon, settle into the warm, wood-stove–heated living space and lay out the simple comforts of a full kitchen. Days can be spent on the river or on nearby trails; evenings revolve around a grill or campfire at the provided picnic area. The property’s setting — a quiet cabin within a working resort on the Au Sable — balances self-sufficiency with access to local services like a bait shop and pontoon rentals.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this cottage suits — and where to check details before booking.

1
Couples & Small FamiliesA good match for couples or a small family seeking a simple, self-catered cabin with river and forest access. Note the listing title indicates 1–3 people, though property details also list larger capacities elsewhere.
2
Anglers & BoatersWell suited to anglers — the Au Sable River and on-site bait shop make it convenient for fishing, and pontoon rentals are available for exploring nearby waters.
3
Trail Users & Nature WatchersA practical base for hikers, birders and ORV riders given hundreds of miles of nearby ORV trails and thousands of acres of forest for wildlife viewing and seasonal foraging.
4
Larger GroupsIf you’re traveling with a larger party, consult Rollway’s other cabin listings: the operator notes cabins on the property can accommodate up to 12 people, while the Little Brown Bear Cottage is described as sleeping up to 6 in some materials and 1–3 in the official title.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Guests must supply their own towels and washcloths. Firewood is not provided; plan to purchase wood locally if you want a campfire.

What’s Provided

Host supplies bedding. The kitchen is fully equipped with stove, fridge, freezer, microwave, coffee pot, toaster and cooking utensils.

Outdoor Cooking & Fires

A Weber charcoal grill, picnic tables and a fire pit are provided for outdoor meals and campfires; bring charcoal or buy locally if needed.

Seasonal Availability & Length

The cottage is available seasonally from May through November 30, 2024; stays range from as short as two nights to up to two weeks per the headline context.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Are pets allowed at Little Brown Bear Cottage?

Yes — the listing is pet friendly.

What kitchen equipment is included?

The cottage kitchen is fully equipped with a stove, refrigerator, freezer, cooking utensils, coffee pot, microwave and toaster.

How many people does the cottage sleep?

There are differing occupancy notes in the materials: the official title lists 1 to 3 people, a more detailed description states the Little Brown Bear Cottage sleeps up to 6 people, and Rollway’s cabins in general are described as accommodating up to 12 people. Confirm the specific cottage capacity at booking.

When is the cottage available?

The cottage is available seasonally from May through November 30, 2024.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check in is at 2:00 pm and check out is by 11:00 am.

Is firewood provided?

No — firewood is not provided, but it can be purchased locally.